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Top Ten Picture Books For Halloween

Boo! If our Top Ten Books For Children Who Love To Be Scared Silly was too... well, scary for you, then this is the selection for you. There are witches, pumpkins and black cats in abundance, so the littlest ones can join in with the Halloween fun, but there's nothing that'll give them nightmares. Why not tell us about your favourites?


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Review of

Spells by Emily Gravett

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Emily Gravett does it again! Children will love creating hybrid creatures as a frog tries to get the right spell to turn himself into a prince. The interaction isn't tacked on, and will delight every young child. Full Review

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Review of

Trixie The Witch's Cat by Nick Butterworth

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A sweet tale of a witch's cat who doesn't like her one white paw. The message of appreciating one's differences isn't hammered home clunkily, but the point is well made. Recommended for children on the cusp of reading for themselves. Full Review

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Review of

The Everyday Witch by Liz Martinez and Mark Beech

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A fun picture book in which Jimmy discovers his mum is really a witch. The mix of gentle naughtiness and sweetness works well. Mark Beech's illustrations (and the free stickers of them) are a true delight. Full Review

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Review of

Winnie's Amazing Pumpkin by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul

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A delightful tale of a vegetable-loving witch whose magic is just a little bit too successful. The story is great, and Korky Paul's detailed and thrilling illustrations make it a joy to read. Recommended. Full Review

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Review of

The Witch's Children Go to School by Ursula Jones and Russell Ayto

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All Gemma's worries about her first day at school are reduced to the absurd but never minimised in this wonderfully anarchic book. Highly recommended. Full Review

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Review of

What's In The Witch's Kitchen? by Nick Sharratt

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A superb pop-up book, with a simple idea beautifully executed: all the flaps can open two ways, revealing something different each time. It works perfectly and is great fun. Highly recommended. Full Review

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Review of

Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex

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It's a parody of Goodnight Moon but you don't need to know the original to appreciate this slightly scary romp through the creatures that usually frighten children - ever so gently! Recommended. Full Review

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Review of

My Unwilling Witch (The Rumblewick Letters) by Hiawyn Oram

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RB is having problems with Haggy Aggy. She doesn't want to be a witch any more. Excellent text, dynamic ilustrations and lots to explore this book is highly recommended by The Bookbag. Full Review

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Review of

Billy Monster's Daymare by Alan Durant and Ross Collins

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Billy Monster has daymares - he keeps dreaming that he's seen a child and terrified that one might be lurking under the bad. Highly recommended by The Bookbag. Full Review

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Review of

Tappity-Tap! What Was That? by Claire Freedman and Russell Julian

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A lovely look at a group of three animals who are scared of the Monster Of The Woods. It's a gentle and charming book that will help any scared children feel a little less scared about the dark, thunder or monsters. The illustrations are particularly enjoyable. Full Review

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